Kinetic
Energy Harvester

Team 1 - SDP '14

Description

Project ObjectiveThis turnstile aims to reclaim everyday lost mechanical energy,
then convert it to electrical energy for storage and reuse.
Summary of Impact

The design enables the end user to install this
device into high traffic areas and gather energy that people put
into the turnstile. The final application that consumes the
generated power is unimportant because the customer will have
specialized needs for their turnstiles.Devices might include
interior lighting, biometric scanners for restricted access
areas, RFID employee badge scanners, laser barcode ticket
readers, or ticket purchasing checkout stations. The current design of this product includes a power
supply with common voltage outputs so that a customer may simply
plug in their device.

While consuming slightly less electricity from the
grid, the customer would also be able to install turnstiles in
locations that are distant from power outlets.This may be
particularly important for outdoor concert venues and
non-permanent events like county fairs.This aspect of
portable power generation would save time and reduce complexity
of setting up for an event.

This device does not claim that it will pay for
itself in electricity savings, but the green energy generation
has a positive environmental impact.This product can also prove that there are
plenty of unused sources of energy all around.The idea of energy
harvesting in general can be spread through the use of this
product and may help similar systems to gain public acceptance.